Black smoke generator apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for generating a black smoke signal is provided. The apparatus includes an acetylene burner assembly that further includes an acetylene delivery structure, a perforated burner head disposed at an end of the acetylene delivery structure, and an electric spark igniter disposed adjacent to the perforated burner head, so as to allow a flow of acetylene through the perforated burner head to be ignited. An acetylene flow control system provides acetylene at a rate that causes the acetylene to be partially combusted in atmospheric oxygen through the acetylene burner assembly, so as to generate black smoke.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to the field of simulators, and moreparticularly to a black smoke generator apparatus and method that usesacetylene or other gases that generate black smoke due to incompletecombustion in atmospheric oxygen, instead of pyrotechnic chemicals.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Apparatuses and methods for generating black smoke are known in the art.These apparatuses and methods are typically used in weapons trainingexercises, for theatrical purposes, or in other situations where it isnecessary to create black smoke in a manner that does not cause propertydamage or create a significant risk of property damage.

These apparatuses and methods use pyrotechnic devices that are triggeredusing electrochemical triggering mechanisms, and the pyrotechnic devicesare made with hazardous chemicals. In addition to being potentiallydangerous and unstable, these pyrotechnic devices create smoke thatcontains compounds that may be toxic, are expensive to produce, and havea shelf life that requires the pyrotechnic devices to be used within apredetermined period of time or discarded. If the pyrotechnic devicesmust be discarded, then special precautions must be used to ensure thatthey are not taken to an incinerator or otherwise handled in a mannerthat can result in personal injury.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, an apparatus and method forgenerating black smoke are provided that overcome known problems withgenerating black smoke for purposes such as weapons training simulators.

In particular, an apparatus and method are provided that utilizeacetylene or other fuel materials that generate black some whencombusted in atmospheric oxygen due to incomplete combustion of thefuel.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, anapparatus for generating a black smoke signal is provided. The apparatusincludes an acetylene burner assembly that further includes an acetylenedelivery structure, a perforated burner head disposed at an end of theacetylene delivery structure, and an electric spark igniter disposedadjacent to the perforated burner head, so as to allow a flow ofacetylene through the perforated burner head to be ignited. An acetyleneflow control system provides acetylene at a rate that causes theacetylene to be partially combusted in atmospheric oxygen through theacetylene burner assembly, so as to generate black smoke.

The present invention provides many important technical advantages. Inone important technical advantage of the present invention is a blacksmoke generator that uses acetylene or other combustible materialsinstead of pyrotechnic chemicals, which results in a more stable andless expensive source of black smoke, and which can deliver black smokeat volumes that are not economically feasible using prior artapparatuses and methods.

Those skilled in the art will further appreciate the advantages andsuperior features of the invention together with other important aspectsthereof on reading the detailed description that follows in conjunctionwith the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a black smoke generator in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagram of a black smoke generator in accordance with anexemplary embodiment in the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a system for providing control of a black smokegenerator in accordance with exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 is a diagram of an acetylene canister vault in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a diagram of a system for providing an acetylene tank and aprotective housing in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 6 is a diagram of a system for controlling a black smoke generatorin accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a diagram of a burner assembly in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 is a diagram of a burner assembly and support in accordance withan exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the description that follows, like parts are marked throughout thespecification and drawings with the same reference numerals,respectively. The drawing figures might not be to scale, and certaincomponents can be shown in generalized or schematic form and identifiedby commercial designations in the interest of clarity and conciseness.

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a black smoke generator 100 in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the present invention. Black smoke generator 100uses acetylene or other suitable materials that are burned inatmospheric oxygen to generate large quantities of black smoke withoutthe use of pyrotechnic chemicals or other dangerous and expensivematerials.

Black smoke generator 100 includes burner head 102. Burner head 102 isoptimized to burn acetylene gas or other suitable materials at a flowrate that results in incomplete combustion of the acetylene inatmospheric oxygen. It is noted in this regard that it is usuallynecessary to provide an oxidant with acetylene and atmospheric oxygen inorder to prevent it from generating smoke. As such, acetylene is usuallyprovided with a dual port burner head where the oxidant is providedthrough a first port and the acetylene is provided through the secondport. Likewise, if acetylene is burned in atmospheric oxygen, it may bemixed with other gases, provided at a low flow rate, or otherwiseprovided in a manner to reduce the generation of smoke. As such, burnerhead 102 is configured to provide acetylene flow rates for burning inatmospheric oxygen that are not found in the prior art.

Radiant heat/wind screen 104 is disposed behind burner head 102, andshields participants, operators, equipment, or other persons or objectsfrom the effects of burning acetylene through burner head 102. In oneexemplary embodiment, the combustion of acetylene or other relatedmaterials through burner head 102 can generate infrared radiation, heat,or other types of damaging or dangerous effects. Radiant heat/windscreen 104 thus helps to prevent exposure of personnel or objects to thedamaging effects of combustion of acetylene.

Flame sensor 106 is disposed near burner head 102, such as throughradiant heat/wind screen 104. Flame sensor 106 generates a signal when aflame is present so as to allow an operator at a distance to determinewhether acetylene flow through burner head 102 has been ignited, whetherthe acetylene flow has stopped after ignition so as to quench the flame,or other conditions.

Thumb screws 108 are used to hold telescopic support arm 122 inlocation. In one exemplary embodiment, thumb screws 108 are used toallow burner head 102 to be extended or retracted so as to positionburner head 102 in a location where the risk of damage to adjacentmaterials is reduced.

Igniter 124 is disposed adjacent to burner head 102, and allows anoperator to ignite cause acetylene that is flowing through burner head102. In one exemplary embodiment, igniter 124 provides a spark or othersuitable ignition energy to ignite acetylene or other suitable materialsthat are being provided through burner head 102.

Base support bracket 120 includes locking pin 118 that locks the angleof telescopic support arm 122. Stablizing legs 126 are also provided forsupport (only one base leg is shown in FIG. 1 as the second base leg isobscured by telescopic support arm 122). Base support bracket 120 can bebolted to a supporting structure so as to provide additional stabilityfor the location of burner head 102.

Fuel hose 110 couples to burner head 102 underneath telescopic supportarm 122. Fuel hose 110 extends to a suitable fuel supply, such as anacetylene tank contained within a projectile resistant housing, and mayalso be coupled to a regulator or other suitable flow control devices.

Igniter cable 112 carries energy to igniter 124, such as high voltageelectric energy to generate a spark or other suitable energy. Likewise,igniter ground cable 114 is coupled to the base support bracket 120 orother suitable locations on black smoke generator 100 so as to create aground point so that the voltage difference between igniter 124 andground can be used to generate a spark or otherwise ignite acetyleneflowing from burner head 102.

Flame sense cable 116 connects to flame sensor 106 and provides a signalto an operator, a controller, or other suitable locations to allow theoperator or controller to determine whether combustion is occurring atburner head 102.

In operation, black smoke generator 100 allows black smoke to becontrollably generated by the combustion of acetylene gas or othersuitable materials in atmospheric oxygen, thus avoiding the need forexpensive pyrotechnic chemicals which have been used in the past togenerate black smoke. In one exemplary embodiment, black smoke generator100 allows large amounts of black smoke to be generated in acontrollable manner, such as in response to the impact of a projectileon a target (to simulate destruction of the target), after impact isobserved, sensed by sound or impact sensors, or in other suitablemanners.

Black smoke generator 100 can be deployed inside of buildings, vehicles,or other suitable locations, such as by attachment of base supportbracket 120 to a suitable service and locating burner head 102 andradiant heat/wind screen 104 in a location where the building, vehicleor other structure will not be damaged, such as by appropriate placementof telescopic support arm 122. In this manner, impact affects can besimulated for training practice with dummy ammunition loads to create arealistic training environment that accurately simulates the effects oftarget destruction, clearly reflects hits on targets, and otherwisehelps to create an environment that simulates an actual battlefieldenvironment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of a black smoke generator 200 in accordance with anexemplary embodiment in the present invention. Black smoke generator 200provides a different viewpoint which more clearly shows burner head 102,flame sensor 106, radiant heat/wind screen 104, igniter ground cable114, flame sense cable 116, and fuel hose 110. Igniter ground cable 114is connected to base support bracket 120, and locking pins 118 are moreclearly shown holding telescopic support arm 122 in location.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a system 300 for providing control of a blacksmoke generator in accordance with exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention. System 300 includes controller 320 and various controllerinputs and outputs. For example, igniter ground cable 114 can couple toground connection 302, and igniter cable 112 can couple to igniter input304. As such, controller 320 can generator a high voltage output toigniter cable 112 relative to ground connection 302 that can be used togenerate a spark adjacent to the acetylene burner head.

Controller 320 includes flame sense input 306, which couples to flamesense cable 116. AC power input 308 or DC power input 310 can be used toreceive AC power from AC cable 312 or DC power from DC cable 314. In oneexemplary embodiment, both AC and DC power can be used, such as toprovide power to lower voltage control functions, and to provide ACpower for conversion and generation of a spark or other suitablepurposes.

Fuel cable 318 is coupled to fuel input 316. In this exemplaryembodiment, fuel is provided to the controller 320. The controller 320regulates the flow of acetylene or other smoke-producing fuels to aburner head. Likewise, controller 320 can control the flow of fuels soas to cause the incomplete combustion of the fuel and resultinggeneration of black smoke.

In operation, controller 320 provides controls to ignite the acetyleneor other fuel at the burner head, to provide acetylene to the burnerhead, or to otherwise ensure that acetylene is provided only when it hasbeen ignited. In this manner, controller 320 prevents gas buildups thatcan result in explosions or other unwanted consequences from occurring.In one exemplary embodiment, impact sensor inputs or a manual controlinput can be provided.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of an acetylene canister vault 400 in accordancewith an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Acetylenecanister vault 400 includes a door 402 and a housing 404, where door 402can be sealed against housing 404 through the use of a handle 406 andassociated latch. Regulator control block 408 receives an input fromfuel cable 318 and outputs acetylene through fuel hose 110. Acetylenecanister vault 400 provides a secure housing for an acetylene tank, suchas to prevent the acetylene tank from being damaged by an inadvertentcontact with projectiles and a simulation range or for other suitablepurposes.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of a system 500 for providing an acetylene tank anda protective housing in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention. System 500 includes acetylene canister vault 400 andshows further details of door 402 open, and swung away from housing 404.Likewise, handle 406 is unlatched and top 410 has been opened so thatacetylene tank 504 can be placed inside of the vault. Fuel line 502 iscoupled to acetylene tank 504, and regulator control block 408 controlsthe flow of the acetylene through a fuel line (not explicitly shown).

In operation, acetylene tank 504 can be placed inside of acetylenecanister vault 400 in housing 404. Fuel line 502 is coupled to theregulator of acetylene tank 504, and regulator control block 408 is usedto control the flow of acetylene from acetylene tank 504. Door 402 isenclosed and latched with handle 406, and top 410 is placed over thetop. In this manner, acetylene tank 504 can be protected from damageresulting from impact by practice projectiles, debris, or otherpotential damage mechanisms.

FIG. 6 is a diagram of a system 600 for controlling a black smokegenerator in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention. System 600 includes housing 404 which is coupled to blacksmoke generator 100 through regulator control block 408. Likewise,controller 602 includes arming and safety switch 604 which can be usedby an operator to turn the black smoke generators off and on. In oneexemplary embodiment, when arming and safety switch 604 is off, thesystem is placed in safety mode, the flow of acetylene from theacetylene tank and housing 404 is stopped, and the presence of a flameat black smoke generator 100 is monitored. Likewise, an input 606 to ahost computer, such as one that can perform target lifting, annualtriggering, or a computer interface, is provided. In this exemplaryembodiment, a target can be raised or lowered so as to make the targetavailable for practice shooting or targeting with projectile equipment.Likewise, a manual trigger can be provided through input 606 can be usedafter an impact of the target has been observed, or a computer interfacecan be connected through input 606, such as where target impact isdetermined using sensors or other devices that are capable of generatinga signal indicating a hit on the target. Housing 404 and controller 602can be located at a distance from black smoke generator 100, which canbe placed on a target or adjacent to the target so as to generate.

FIG. 7 is a diagram of a burner assembly 700 in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the present invention. Burner assembly 700includes perforated burner head 702, which allows acetylene to beprovided at flow volumes that can generate correspondingly large volumesof black smoke. Unlike prior art acetylene burner heads that mix theacetylene with an oxidant and create a jet, such as for cutting orwelding purposes, perforated burner head 702 creates a high-flow ofacetylene to allow large quantities of black smoke to be generated bythe incomplete combustion of the acetylene in atmospheric oxygen withoutany additional oxidants.

Igniter 704 is disposed adjacent to perforated burner head 702 andradiant heat/wind screen 104, and creates a spark that ignites acetylenefrom perforated burner head 702. Burner head inflow pipe and quickdisconnect gas connection 706 allow an acetylene fuel line to be quicklyconnected and disconnected from an acetylene fuel hose or other suitablefuel sources.

FIG. 8 is a diagram of a burner assembly and support 800 in accordancewith an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Burner assemblyand support 800 includes perforated burner head 702, radiant heat/windscreen 104, burner head inflow pipe and quick disconnect gas connection706, telescopic support arm 122, base support bracket 120 andstabilizing legs 126.

In one exemplary embodiment, burner assembly and support 800 can be usedin a method for generating a black smoke signal. The method includesactuating an acetylene burner assembly that further includes the stepsof providing acetylene to an acetylene delivery structure having aperforated burner head disposed at an end of the acetylene deliverystructure and providing an electric spark through an igniter disposedadjacent to the perforated burner head to ignite the acetylene. Theacetylene flow control system is then actuated so as to provideacetylene at a rate that causes the acetylene to be partially combustedin atmospheric oxygen through the acetylene burner assembly, so as togenerate black smoke.

The method can further include providing acetylene to the acetylenedelivery structure having the perforated burner head disposed at the endof the acetylene delivery structure where projectiles may impact. Inthis exemplary embodiment, the end of the acetylene delivery structurecan be protected from projectile impact, and the acetylene can beprovided from an impact resistant housing.

The method can also include ensuring that human personnel are notexposed to damaging levels of ultraviolet radiation generated at theperforated burner head, such as by keeping human personnel are at adistance of greater than approximately 30 feet from the perforatedburner head.

The method can also include actuating the acetylene burner assemblyafter a target in proximity to the acetylene burner assembly has beenstruck with a projectile, such as by manually activating the assemblyburner assembly, by using an impact detector that measures the frequencyof vibration of a structure, sound, or other suitable impact detectors.

The method can further include detecting whether a flame is presentusing a flame detector disposed in the vicinity of the perforated burnerhead, such as by generating a flame indicator for an operator orotherwise using a flame detector signal. In one exemplary embodiment, aflame detector signal can be input to a controller, which can inhibitthe operation of a safety or other signal or control if a flame ispresent.

Although exemplary embodiments of a system and method of the presentinvention have been described in detail herein, those skilled in the artwill also recognize that various substitutions and modifications can bemade to the systems and methods without departing from the scope andspirit of the appended claims.

1. An apparatus for generating a black smoke signal comprising: anacetylene burner assembly further comprising: an acetylene deliverystructure; a perforated burner head disposed at an end of the acetylenedelivery structure; and an electric spark igniter disposed adjacent tothe perforated burner head; and an acetylene flow control systemproviding acetylene at a rate that causes the acetylene to be partiallycombusted in atmospheric oxygen through the acetylene burner assembly,so as to generate black smoke.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 furthercomprising a shield disposed adjacent to the acetylene burner assemblyfor diverting radiant heat and protecting the acetylene burner assemblyfrom wind.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a supportcoupled to the acetylene burner assembly for providing stabilizationagainst projectile impact effects.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 furthercomprising: a projectile impact-resistant housing for holding anacetylene tank, the projectile impact-resistant housing capable ofwithstanding a direct hit from a practice projectile; and an acetylenedelivery system configured to be coupled to an acetylene tank containedwithin the projectile impact-resistant housing and the acetylene burnerassembly.
 5. The system of claim 4 wherein the acetylene delivery systemcomprises a fuel hose having a first coupling at a first end that isadapted to be connected to an acetylene tank valve and a second couplingat a second end that is adapted to be coupled to the acetylene burnerassembly.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a control unitgenerating arm control data or safety control data in response tooperator-entered data, wherein the control unit causes the acetyleneflow control system to turn on in response to the arm control data andto turn off in response to the safety control data.
 7. The apparatus ofclaim 1 further comprising: a timer unit generating timer data; and acontrol unit generating arm control data or safety control data inresponse to a user selection and the timer data, wherein the controlunit causes the acetylene flow control system to turn on in response tothe arm control data and to turn off in response to the safety controldata.
 8. The apparatus of claim 6 further comprising a regulator systemcoupled to the control unit, wherein the regulator system increases theflow of acetylene in response to the arm control data and decreases theflow of acetylene in response to the safety control data.
 9. Theapparatus of claim 1 further comprising a flame sensor disposed adjacentto the acetylene burner head assembly, the flame sensor generating anindication whenever a flame is present at the acetylene burner headassembly.
 10. A method for generating a black smoke signal comprising:actuating an acetylene burner assembly further comprising: providingacetylene to an acetylene delivery structure having a perforated burnerhead disposed at an end of the acetylene delivery structure; andproviding an electric spark through an igniter disposed adjacent to theperforated burner head; and actuating an acetylene flow control systemso as to provide acetylene at a rate that causes the acetylene to bepartially combusted in atmospheric oxygen through the acetylene burnerassembly, so as to generate black smoke.
 11. The method of claim 10wherein providing acetylene to the acetylene delivery structure havingthe perforated burner head disposed at the end of the acetylene deliverystructure comprises providing acetylene to the acetylene deliverystructure having the perforated burner head disposed at the end of theacetylene delivery structure in an area where projectiles may impact,wherein the end of the acetylene delivery structure is protected fromprojectile impact.
 12. The method of claim 10 wherein providingacetylene to the acetylene delivery structure having the perforatedburner head disposed at the end of the acetylene delivery structurecomprises providing the acetylene from an impact resistant housing. 13.The method of claim 10 further comprising ensuring that human personnelare not exposed to damaging levels of ultraviolet radiation generated atthe perforated burner head.
 14. The method of claim 10 furthercomprising ensuring that human personnel are at a distance of greaterthan approximately 30 feet from the perforated burner head.
 15. Themethod of claim 10 wherein actuating an acetylene burner assemblycomprises actuating the acetylene burner assembly after a target inproximity to the acetylene burner assembly has been struck with aprojectile.
 16. The method of claim 15 wherein the acetylene burnerassembly is manually activated.
 17. The method of claim 10 furthercomprising detecting whether a flame is present using a flame detectordisposed in the vicinity of the perforated burner head.
 18. The methodof claim 17 further comprising generating a flame indicator for anoperator.